From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has bagged the prestigious 2026 Afro Award of excellence, humanitarian services, and for being an exceptional governor in Nigeria, West Africa.
Also, celebrated American singer Adina Howard, fashion designer and entrepreneur Karl Kani, basketball star Russell Westbrook, Tyrone DuBose, and other Global Icons, are
among the list of awardees.
Chief Taiwo Oduala, Founder and President of the 5th Afro Awards 2026, made the disclosure in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday.
The founder described the annual award ceremony scheduled for Oct 10, in Los Angeles, California USA, as a “unique Afro-centric excellence award” on individuals and organisations that have touched lives in their communities, states, and countries.
He said that responsible leadership was solely on humanitarian services and economic growth and development of the society and should be taken seriously for the good of the people.
Oduala described the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, as a “distinguished and notable personality,” whose achievements and recognition at the prestigious awards adds a significant leadership and governance dimension to the event.
According to him, Gov. Otti’s inclusion in the event places the spotlight on Abia state and the Nigerian public leadership on an international platform.
He said that his organisation was set to bring together an impressive gathering of distinguished personalities from Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the global entertainment, business, political, and cultural community services.
“We believe that the 2026 edition, expected to celebrate excellence, achievement, leadership, creativity, and contributions to society, will step up the Afro Awards’ tradition of bringing together influential personalities who have made their marks in different sectors.
“The event will also feature or recognise a diverse collection of personalities from entertainment, fashion, sports, business, and public service, reflecting the international reach of the Afro Awards
“This is bringing Africa and the World together, from political leaders to business executives, entertainers, athletes, filmmakers, fashion personalities, and organisations.
“Therefore, the awards will continue to highlight the diverse contributions of people and institutions shaping Africa’s image and influence around the world and on global stage, ” he stated.
He gave the names of past distinguished Afro awards honorees and personalities to include Oumie Garba Fox, Esther Oluwafunmilayo Komolafe, Oumarou Idrissa, Angelica Nwanbu and the event host, Shang Forbes.
Others are Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., acclaimed actor and filmmaker Richard Lawson, Nigerian actress Ayo Mogaji, and business magnate Aliko Dangote, Chief of staff -Femi Gbajabiamila, Air Peace CEO, Dr Allen Onyema.
Also in the list are Africa Magic, Nigerian music superstar Davido, H.E- Governor Ademola Adeleke, the First Lady of Kwara State Olufolake Abdulrazaq, former Nigerian President His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Afro Nation’s Smade, the First Lady of Sierra Leone Fatima Bio, Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy, and Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim.
He said their association with the Afro Awards reflects the broad spectrum of individuals and institutions that have been celebrated for their contributions to leadership, business, entertainment, culture, aviation, and community development.
